The high L-dopa content offers additional benefits to the plant itself: it protects the seeds from insects and pests. Mucuna is also known as the “dopamine bean” since it is a good source of L-Dopa (4 – 7%), from which dopamine is made in the body. For users, this bean’s “magical properties” span from its alleged aphrodisiac effects, while others yet allude to the plant’s subjective simultaneously relaxant and stimulating effects. Like Jack’s magic beans in the fairytale, mucuna beans are sometimes called “magical velvet beans.” For researchers, this “magic” refers to mucuna’s potential to improve brain health.

In herbal medicine and Ayurveda, Mucuna has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for male infertility, nervous disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and as an aphrodisiac. Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume also known as velvet bean. What is Mucuna pruriens? The Dopamine Bean Read on to learn what the research says about this curious plant. It is also being researched for improving depression, sleep, and snake venom poisoning. Recent studies suggest it may help reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and infertility in men. This “magical bean” has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. Mucuna pruriens, or velvet bean, is a tropical legume that might boost dopamine levels. A plus sign next to the number “” means that the information is found within the full scientific study rather than the abstract. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please leave a comment or contact us at that each number in parentheses is a clickable link to peer-reviewed scientific studies.

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